Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave 3 hours tour- ticket tour

This 3-hour tour from Kotor offers a compact yet immersive experience of Montenegro’s stunning coast. Priced at $36.49 per person, it provides a chance to see the Blue Cave, visit Our Lady of the Rocks, and explore various historical and natural attractions along Boka Bay. The tour is limited to just 15 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience with a speedboat ride that delivers both excitement and comfort. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick but thorough glimpse of the area’s highlights, especially those interested in snorkeling and small-group touring.

While the tour covers numerous stops and features free bottled water, the Blue Cave visit depends on weather conditions, which can affect timing. The 3-hour itinerary is fast-paced, with some reviews noting that loading and timing may slightly vary. Still, the overall experience earns a 4.5/5 rating, with 95% of guests recommending it for its stunning views, knowledgeable guides, and good value for money.

Key Points

• Limited to 15 people for a more personalized experience
• Includes visits to the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks, with snorkeling gear provided
• Starts from Kotor Old City or other nearby points in Kotor Bay
• Total duration of 3 hours, ideal for a quick yet comprehensive tour
• Contains historical stops like Tre Sorelle Palace and Our Lady’s Temple of Prcanj
• Weather-dependent visit to the Blue Cave; sometimes it may be skipped due to wind or rain

From Kotor Old City to the Tre Sorelle Palace

The tour departs from Kotor Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or from other nearby locations like Muo, Pranj, Stoliv, and Dobrota. The boat can dock at these points, making boarding flexible.

The first stop is the Tre Sorelle Palace in Pranjs, built in the fifteenth century. This Gothic-style mansion is famous not only for its architecture but also for a legendary love story associated with it. Visitors can ask the skipper about this romantic tale, adding a touch of local lore to the scenic cruise.

Visiting the Impressive Our Lady’s Temple in Prcanj

Next, the tour visits the Our Lady’s Temple of Prcanj, a baroque church dedicated to the birth of the Holy Virgin. This monument has been under construction for over 120 years and is considered one of the largest sacred structures in the Adriatic region. The boat stops nearby, allowing for a brief look at the church’s architecture.

The stop offers an excellent photo opportunity, and visitors can inquire about the church’s history from the crew, adding cultural depth to the trip.

Mamula Fortress on a Small Island

The Mamula Fortress appears at the entrance to Boka Kotorska bay. Built in the 19th century, it served as a prison during World War I and II. Currently, the island is closed for public visits due to renovations turning it into an elite hotel.

While the fortress itself isn’t accessible, the boat provides a close-up view of this historic site, which adds a touch of military and architectural intrigue to the tour.

Swimming in the Blue Cave’s Turquoise Waters

A highlight of this tour is the 20-minute swim inside the Blue Cave. The turquoise waters and sparkling environment make it a favorite stop. The boat anchors outside the cave, and snorkeling gear is provided for those wanting to explore beneath the surface.

In favorable weather, this stop becomes a magnificent experience, with some reviews mentioning that the skipper pulls the boat outside the crowded cave to give swimmers more room and avoid feeling overwhelmed by other boats.

Visiting the Submarine Tunnel Near Lutica

The former submarine tunnel is an intriguing stop, cut into the steep banks of Lutica. Built during Yugoslavia, the tunnels served as a military base for hiding and repairing submarines during WWI, WWII, and the Cold War.

The tunnels are about fifty meters long with a width of 7 meters, plunging about eight meters deep, with the exit leading to thirty meters underwater. The site includes underground tunnels with technical equipment used for submarine maintenance, making it a fascinating glimpse into Montenegro’s military history.

Exploring Perast and the Church of Saint Nicholas

The small baroque town of Perast features 18 churches and 19 palaces despite only having around 350 residents. The church of Saint Nicholas is the town’s symbol, with its 55-meter-high bell tower dominating the skyline.

The tour provides about 20 minutes in Perast, giving visitors a chance to walk the streets, admire the historic architecture, and take photos of the iconic church. The town’s charm complements the sea views and historic significance but can feel busy due to its popularity.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks Island and Church

The final stop takes you to the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks, built by local inhabitants after discovering an icon of the Holy Virgin. The island features a church and a museum, both accessible with an admission fee.

Visitors can walk around the small island, visit the church, which is made entirely by human effort, and explore the museum that showcases the island’s religious and cultural history. The stop lasts about 20 minutes but may vary depending on weather and group interest.

Practicalities: Meeting Points, Group Size, and Booking

The tour begins at Park Slobode in Kotor, with the option for pickup at various locations within Kotor Bay. The group size is limited to 15 people, making it a more personal experience compared to larger tour boats.

Booking on average occurs 22 days in advance, with the tour offering mobile tickets for convenience. The maximum capacity is 100 travelers, but the experience is intentionally capped to ensure comfort and attentiveness from the crew.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others in Kotor

Unlike larger, crowded boat trips, this small-group experience emphasizes unobstructed views and personalized service. The speedboat allows access to locations that bigger boats cannot reach or do not visit, like the submarine tunnels and snorkeling sites.

The expert guides and skippers, praised for their informative narration and professionalism — especially Captain Dado and Nikola — enhance the experience. The snorkeling gear and WiFi onboard add modern comforts, making this trip both adventurous and convenient.

Considerations and Limitations

The weather plays a crucial role; rough seas might lead to cancellation or shortened visits, especially to the Blue Cave. Some reviews mention loading delays and crowded boats at full capacity, which can slightly affect comfort.

Plus, the visit to Our Lady of the Rocks involves an admission fee, and the Blue Cave might be skipped if wind conditions are unfavorable. Travelers should prepare for outdoor conditions and moderate physical activity like swimming.

Final Thoughts on the Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave Tour

This 3-hour speedboat tour offers a well-rounded taste of Montenegro’s coast, combining natural beauty, historical sites, and adventure. The small-group setting and expert guides make it particularly attractive for those seeking a personalized experience with stunning scenery.

While weather dependence and a fast pace are considerations, the value for money and diverse stops make this trip worthwhile. It suits travelers who want a short, engaging excursion that balances sightseeing, swimming, and cultural insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour generally suits most travelers, but children should be comfortable with outdoor boat rides and swimming.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a light jacket in case it gets breezy. Snorkeling gear is provided.

How reliable is the Blue Cave visit?
The Blue Cave visit depends on weather conditions; it may be canceled or shortened if seas are rough.

Is there any walking involved at stops?
The stops involve short walks, mostly around the boat docks or town sites like Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.

Can I buy tickets last minute?
Booking 22 days in advance is typical, but last-minute availability might be limited. Advance booking is recommended.

Are refreshments available on board?
Yes, bottled water is included, and WiFi is provided for convenience.

What if the weather is bad?
If poor weather causes cancellation, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The data does not specify accessibility features; check with the provider for detailed information.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the admission fee for Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum is not included in the tour price.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at Park Slobode in Kotor, with options for nearby pickup locations in Kotor Bay.